Surprising Delights at the Tulalip Resort and Casino

The Tulalip Resort and Casino is an easy jaunt just 45 minutes north of Seattle. Nearby outlet malls lure folks just as much as the gambling on site, but there's much more than that. Like Vegas hotels, there's nightly entertainment that frequently lures big name acts like BB King. The food? I'll throw down the gauntlet and say, to date, Tulalip's award-winning food and wine program trumps every hotel I've tried.

Now when you say "tribal casino," that is not my idea of a good time. But I was invited to preview the Taste of Tulalip festivities happening on November 12th, and I'll be the first one to admit, I was blown away! I never set foot in the casino, but I will definitely be back. Both the food and the wine program were impressive. Within the hotel, the Tulalip Bay restaurant has Chef Dean Shinagawa at the helm, and his food was a major highlight. Shinagawa's Wagyu Beef Shortribs and Angus Beef Tenderloin on a bed of blue cheese potatoes topped with shiitaki mushrooms had us crying for more. And his butter poached sea scallops with toasted pinenuts was a model in restrained perfection.

Side note: While there are five restaurants on site, the Tulalip Bay restaurant has some mightly fine national accolades: Winner of the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and the coveted DiRoNa Award granted to the most distinguished fine dining establishments in North America.

I stayed in a deluxe king room and with a $145/night rack rate, I went in with few expecations. While that's an average hotel price in Seattle, what that affords you just outside the city is so much more. The room was large with modern furnishings, a huge flat screen TV, and a bathroom so elegant, it trumps even the Four Seasons. There's something about the room that instantly put me at ease. It's like home...only better.

Tulalip Resort highlights:

- Free wifi throughout the hotel- Wifi is easy to access, no registration or other hoops to jump through- Noteworthy food & beverage program- Indoor pool & hot tub with nature-driven rock wall features- Free valet parking- The bathroom is equipped with an oversized shower, double sinks, and bonus! A separate vanity.- The bed--linens, mattress, and pillows-were exceptionally comfortable (Yes, I lifted up the sheets to find out who made that mattress. It's a Simmons "HealthSmart." And get this, the pillow top unzips from the mattress so you can wash it. Genius!)

Note to event planners: I kept thinking...if there were a corporate event or conference scheduled here, I'd be very happy here.

Judging

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What is a Tall Poppy? That's an Aussie expression for "a happy high achiever." I'm not so sure about the achiever part...but I do tend to find myself in some interesting situations. Come along with me!
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